Emily Hann & Canopy Grove Damini, winners of the CNC1* class
I have to start today's wrap with an apology: all day yesterday and most of today, I have been mis-spelling Warrumbungles, I kept missing the second "r". Anyhow, I have googled it and now have it correct. I blame my editor for not picking up my mistakes (sorry Ali). (Yes, but the proofreader spotted it - proofer).
Today Coonabarabran turned on some beautiful weather for cross-country day, I think I may have even got a little sunburnt. Not bad for a winter’s day. The cross-country course at Coona has been around for many years as this is a well worn pony club course that has been upgraded in recent months thanks to some dedicated volunteers and Darryl Burgess, course designer & builder extraordinaire. Darryl and his team have built some very nice new fences which have helped to herald in a new age for Coonabarabran.
Heath Ryan & Aspire R. While the weekend didn't go to plan, I think Heath enjoyed the change of pace
You can see the bones of a course that will continue to evolve for the coming events and I look forward to seeing the next wave of changes in the future. Cross-country day was largely uneventful, which is the way I like it, although we did have a couple of falls right in front of me at the water. I am glad to say all horses and riders made it home well although a couple of riders have a few bumps and scratches. Personally I think a great day on cross country is one where the vet doesn't leave the comfort of their car and the ambulance applies nothing more than a bit of antiseptic.
Shaine Baker & Wimboyne Equity. Shaine has an interesting technique, I'm glad to say she walked away with just a few scratches. Taken by my GoPro mounted on a tree.
The funniest moment of the day came when Meagan Nolan and her pony Enya Double Take approached the water. Meagan yelled as she came through the first element of the water complex, "YOU'RE GOING IN ENYA WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT". I and the rest of the crowd at the water were in tears of laughter. Needless to say they made it in first go.
I was very impressed to see junior rider and leader of the CNC1* class Emily Hann on Canopy Grove Damini have a perfect round to finish on their dressage score and win the inaugrual CNC1* class. Emily's riding performance was stellar and even more impressive when I looked more closely at my pics and realised that Emily had lost her stirrup on the approach to the corner, held her line and jumped with a perfect seat, despite the fact her stirrup was blowing in the breeze. A great performance from a young rider on her way up, better remember the name Emily Hann for the future.
Emily, loose stirrup and making it look easy
Coonabarabran is an event to add to your calendar, it is fun, run by a great crew and has that authentic bush eventing feel that is mostly lost from today's events. I had a ball and thank the committee for their wonderful hospitality and for inviting me to the bush.
Yours in eventing,
ESJ (John Lechner)
